Man pleads guilty to assault causing bodily harm

PICTOU – What started out as a trial involving break-and-enter and assault charges, ended in a plea bargain.

Christian Douglas Avery, 20, pleaded guilty to a charge of assault causing bodily harm, ending a trial that was expected to hear from seven Crown witnesses and one defence witness Tuesday in Pictou provincial court.

Crown attorney Patrick Young called his first witness to the stand who detailed how Avery barged into her New Glasgow home and assaulted her current boyfriend. She and Avery were former partners and share custody of a child.

She said her boyfriend was bloodied and battered after Avery assaulted him, causing him to tear a ligament and break a bone in his leg. However, following her testimony and cross-examination, the Crown asked for a brief recess to discuss some things with the defence.

When the parties returned to the courtroom, Judge Del Atwood was informed that a deal had been reached and the Crown was withdrawing the break-and-enter charge. Avery entered his guilty plea to a charge of assault causing bodily harm and will be sentenced April 24.